Gochujang Honey Shrimp: A Sweet and Spicy Delight

Craving a dish that’s both sweet and spicy, savory and satisfying? Look no further than Gochujang Honey Shrimp! This recipe combines the fiery kick of gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste, with the mellow sweetness of honey, creating a flavor profile that’s utterly irresistible. The succulent shrimp are perfectly coated in this addictive sauce, making it a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of gochujang, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a complex and well-balanced flavor profile that’s both sweet, spicy, savory, and umami-rich.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over rice, noodles, quinoa, or as an appetizer with toothpicks. You can also add it to tacos or lettuce wraps.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the level of spice. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined. I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well, just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
* **Gochujang:** 2-3 tablespoons, depending on your spice preference. Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that is the star of this dish. It adds a complex, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Honey:** 2 tablespoons. Honey provides a natural sweetness that balances the spiciness of the gochujang.
* **Soy Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Soy sauce adds a savory and umami element to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, minced. Ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy note.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Rice vinegar adds acidity and balances the sweetness and spiciness. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if needed.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
* **Green Onions:** 2, thinly sliced, for garnish. Green onions add a fresh and vibrant flavor and color.
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon, for garnish. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a pleasing visual element.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1 tablespoon, for cooking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Gochujang Honey Shrimp:

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear and preventing them from steaming.
* Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This helps to create a light coating that will allow the sauce to cling to the shrimp.

**2. Make the Gochujang Honey Sauce:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Make sure everything is well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of gochujang or honey to your liking.

**3. Cook the Shrimp:**

* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot before adding the shrimp, ensuring a good sear.
* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.

**4. Add the Sauce:**

* Pour the gochujang honey sauce over the shrimp in the skillet.
* Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the shrimp. The sauce should be glossy and clinging to the shrimp.

**5. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
* Serve immediately over rice, noodles, quinoa, or as an appetizer.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness of the dish. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste.
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the shrimp. Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and carrots are all great choices. Add them before the shrimp and cook until tender-crisp.
* **Protein:** You can substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook until cooked through. Press the tofu to remove excess water and cut into cubes before cooking.
* **Sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
* **Acidity:** If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of rice vinegar at the end of cooking.
* **Make Ahead:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp is best cooked fresh.
* **Gluten-Free:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
* **Garlic and Ginger Paste:** Using pre-made garlic and ginger paste can save time on mincing.
* **Broccoli Florets:** Add broccoli florets to the pan before adding the shrimp for a complete meal.
* **Serve with Kimchi:** A side of kimchi complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.
* **Use a Wok:** If you have a wok, it’s ideal for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly and allows you to toss the ingredients easily.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Over Rice:** Serve the Gochujang Honey Shrimp over a bed of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Brown rice, jasmine rice, or sticky rice all work well.
* **With Noodles:** Toss the shrimp with your favorite noodles, such as udon, ramen, or soba noodles.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve the shrimp on toothpicks as an appetizer at your next party.
* **In Tacos or Lettuce Wraps:** Add the shrimp to tacos or lettuce wraps for a fun and flavorful twist.
* **With Quinoa:** Serve over quinoa for a healthy and protein-packed meal.
* **With Stir-fried Vegetables:** Pair the shrimp with stir-fried vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Gochujang Honey Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they will become rubbery.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the shrimp may change upon thawing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Fat: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Gochujang Honey Shrimp Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 2-3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste), depending on spice preference
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

**Equipment**

* Large skillet or wok
* Small bowl
* Whisk

**Instructions**

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Pour the gochujang honey sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the shrimp.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, quinoa, or as an appetizer.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Gochujang Honey Shrimp!